Women’s History Month is a moment to recognize the women shaping culture, innovation, leadership, and global conversations.
Across industries, from entertainment and sports to technology, activism, and global affairs, women are driving ideas that influence how audiences think about creativity, resilience, and the future. While this month highlights those contributions, the impact of these voices extends far beyond a single moment on the calendar.
For event planners seeking powerful perspectives year-round, the following speakers bring compelling stories, distinctive expertise, and experiences that resonate with audiences across industries.
Misty Copeland
First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre; Bestselling Author & Founder of the Misty Copeland Foundation
Misty Copeland made history in 2015 when she became the first Black woman promoted to Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Over a 25-year career as a professional ballerina, she performed iconic classical roles including Odette/Odile in “Swan Lake” and Juliet in “Romeo & Juliet.” In 2025, Copeland announced her retirement from professional ballet.
Her influence extends well beyond the stage. Copeland has appeared on major broadcast programs including “60 Minutes,” “Good Morning America,” and “The Today Show,” and has performed in high-profile cultural events. Most recently, she brought her talent to the stage at the 98th Academy Awards during the Best Original Song nominee “I Lied To You.”
Copeland is also a bestselling author of books including “Life In Motion,” “Ballerina Body,” and the children’s books “Bunheads” and “Firebird.” Through the Misty Copeland Foundation and its BE BOLD program, she works to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion within the world of dance.
Oksana Masters
24-Time Paralympic Medalist Across Summer & Winter Games; Nordic Skier, Rower & Cyclist
Oksana Masters is one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes in the world, known for competing across multiple sports disciplines. Born in Ukraine in 1989 with limb differences caused by radiation exposure from the Chernobyl disaster, she spent her early childhood in orphanages before being adopted at age seven by an American mother and moving to the United States.
Masters first gained international recognition in adaptive rowing, winning a bronze medal for Team USA at the 2012 Paralympic Games. She later became a dominant competitor in cross-country skiing, biathlon, and para-cycling, earning numerous medals across both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Her success continued at the 2026 Paralympics, where she earned five medals—including four golds—and added a bronze in the women’s 20km sitting cross-country race.
Beyond competition, Masters advocates for disability awareness and resilience. Through speaking engagements and her memoir “The Hard Parts,” she shares her story of perseverance and determination.
Amy Madigan
Academy Award-Nominated Actress Known for “Twice in a Lifetime,” “Field of Dreams” & “Weapons”
Amy Madigan’s career spans film, television, and theater, with performances that have earned recognition across multiple mediums. She made her film debut in “Love Child” and gained widespread acclaim for her role in “Twice in a Lifetime,” which earned both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Her film work also includes appearances in “Field of Dreams” and “Gone Baby Gone,” and in 2025 she co-starred in the horror film “Weapons.”
Madigan has built an equally strong presence on television, appearing in series such as “Carnivàle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Fringe.” On stage, she has performed in productions including “The Lucky Spot” and the Broadway revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
Throughout her career, Madigan has received numerous honors, including a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Sarah Weddington in the television film “Roe vs. Wade.” Her work across film, television, and theater reflects decades of storytelling and artistic achievement.
Jessie Buckley
Academy Award-Winning Irish Actress Known for “Hamnet” & “The Bride!”
Jessie Buckley is an Irish actress and singer known for performances across film, television, theater, and music. She made her film debut in “Beast” and gained recognition for her performance in the musical drama “Wild Rose,” which earned a BAFTA nomination. Her other notable film roles include “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The Lost Daughter,” “Men,” and “Women Talking.”
Buckley’s performance in “The Lost Daughter” earned nominations for both the Academy Award and BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2025, she starred in “Hamnet,” earning both an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama—becoming the first Irish actress to win in that category.
Her career also extends to the stage and music. Buckley won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Sally Bowles in the West End revival of “Cabaret.” In 2022, she released the album “For All Our Days That Tear the Heart” with Bernard Butler, which was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.
Ruth E. Carter
Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Known for “Black Panther” & “Sinners”
Ruth E. Carter is one of the most influential costume designers in modern film. She made history by becoming the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, earning Oscars for both “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Across her career, Carter has contributed to more than 50 films, including “Malcolm X,” “Amistad,” “Selma,” and “Sinners.” Her work is widely recognized for blending historical research, cultural storytelling, and visual innovation.
In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2019 she was honored with the Costume Designers Guild Career Achievement Award. Her creative journey is also documented in the book “The Art of Ruth E. Carter.”
Leymah Gbowee
Liberian Peace Activist, Women’s Rights Advocate & Nobel Peace Laureate
Leymah Gbowee is internationally recognized for leading the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace movement. Her leadership mobilized thousands of women in nonviolent protest, helping bring an end to 14 years of civil war in Liberia.
In recognition of her work, Gbowee was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize alongside Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman. She is the founder and president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, which supports education and leadership opportunities for girls and young women.
Her work in peacebuilding has been documented in the film “Pray the Devil Back to Hell.” Through writing and speaking, she continues to advocate for women’s leadership, peace, and social justice.
Cassie Kozyrkov
CEO of Kozyr; AI Luminary & Former Chief Decision Scientist at Google
Cassie Kozyrkov is a leading voice in artificial intelligence and the founder of the field known as Decision Intelligence. As Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, she helped lead the company’s transformation into an AI-first organization and personally trained more than 20,000 employees in data-driven decision-making.
Today, Kozyrkov serves as CEO of Kozyr and advises organizations including Gucci, NASA, Spotify, Meta, and GSK on AI strategy. Known for making complex technology accessible, she combines deep technical expertise with engaging storytelling.
Kozyrkov has spoken in more than 40 countries and on every continent, appearing on stages including the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and SXSW.
Women’s History Month offers a moment to recognize the many ways women are shaping culture, leadership, and innovation. Speakers like those highlighted above bring powerful stories, unique expertise, and perspectives that inspire audiences across industries and communities.